Health Benefits of Camphor Oil

Camphoris a waxy, white or transparent substance extracted from the wood of the Camphor Laurel tree, a large tree found in Asia.

Camphor is traditionally obtained by chopping the wood (into small chips and steaming them) of a Camphor Laurel that is at least 50 years of age. The steaming process causes crystals to form, which are then further processed and purified.

A single tree can produce as much as three tons of camphor oil. Camphor oil has a strong, aromatic scent and when applied on the skin, it produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of menthol and acts as slight local anesthetic and antimicrobial substance.

Health Benefits of Camphor:

Camphor oil can help relieve nasal congestion and cough when rubbed on the chest.

Camphor is used as an ingredient in tooth powders because of its anti-bacterial property.

Camphor is used as an ingredient in throat lozenges and cough syrups.

Camphor is also used in some anti-itch ointments, creams and cooling gels because it is can be absorbed through skin and is effective at treating pain locally.

Camphor has an analgesic effect which makes it a favorite oil to be used in pain relieving massage blends for sore muscles and arthritic pain.

Culinary Uses: Added as flavoring for some sweets for it refreshing and cooling flavor.

Other Uses:

It is traditionally used as an embalming agent for the deceased.

Its strong scent is believed to be toxic to insects and is thus sometimes used as a repellent.

It is used as an ingredient in skincare products.

It is used as material for production of a great number of commercial perfumery chemicals that are used in everyday household products and laundry soaps.

Caution: In large amount it is poisonous when ingested and can cause seizures, confusion and irritability.